ResidencyPanama
Direct permanent residence in the Americas' fast-growing hub
Panama has built a reputation as one of the most welcoming jurisdictions in the Americas for international investors, thanks to its dollarised economy, modern banking sector and position as a logistics and financial crossroads between the two continents. Its Qualified Investor route is designed for those who want permanent residence quickly and without a lengthy provisional stage.
Rather than stepping through temporary categories, approved investors receive permanent residence directly, with family members able to join the same application. The route supports pre-arrival filing and a dedicated fast-track process, making it one of the more efficient residency options available for globally mobile families.
CBIProgram handles route selection, investment structuring, source-of-funds preparation and filing with the immigration authorities, ensuring the file is complete before it is submitted so that the fast-track timelines can be realised in practice.
- Residence requirement: 1 visit every 2 years
Program law
The Qualified Investor category was created by Executive Decree No. 722 of 15 October 2020, updated by Executive Decree No. 109 of 2022 and amended by Executive Decree No. 193 of 15 October 2024, with investments certified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
Key benefits
Direct permanent residence
The Qualified Investor category grants permanent residence outright, without the provisional stages required by many other programmes.
Fast-track processing
Official materials support pre-arrival filing and a dedicated fast-track, with a 30-business-day approval target once a complete file is submitted.
Family inclusion
A spouse and qualifying dependent children can be included, with children aged 18 to 25 eligible when single, studying full-time and financially dependent.
Flexible ownership
The qualifying investment can be held personally or through a legal entity in which you are the final beneficiary, giving you structuring flexibility.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Direct real estate purchase — Qualified Investor route | USD 300,000 |
| Real estate via promissory purchase contract — Qualified Investor route | USD 300,000 |
| Securities investment | USD 500,000 |
| Fixed-term bank deposit | USD 750,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Treasury payment — Main applicant; USD 1,000 per dependent | USD 5,000 |
| National Immigration Service payment — Main applicant; USD 1,000 per dependent | USD 5,000 |
Process & timeline
We confirm eligibility, map family composition and review source of funds before any capital is committed.
The qualifying investment is completed and certified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI).
The complete file is submitted to the National Immigration Service, which targets approval within 30 business days of a properly filed application.
Permanent residence is granted and we provide post-approval guidance on maintaining status.
Permanent residents should avoid absences of more than two years unless justified and authorised by the immigration authorities.
Eligibility
- Main applicant must be at least 18 years old
- Clean criminal record with compliant due diligence evidence
- Health certificate for the immigration filing
- A completed qualifying investment under the Qualified Investor rules
- Proof that the investment funds originated abroad
- Dependent children aged 18 to 25 must be single, in full-time study and financially dependent
Required documents
All applicants
- Notarized power of attorney and legal application
- Passport copy and passport-size photographs
- Police clearance certificate
- Health certificate
- Sworn declaration of personal background
Main applicant
- Investment certification issued by MICI
- Route-specific proof of the qualifying investment
- Evidence that the investment funds originated abroad
Married couples
- Marriage certificate for a spouse
- Birth certificates for dependent children
- Proof of full-time study and a sworn declaration of single status for children aged 18 to 25
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can residence be granted?
The immigration authority targets approval within 30 business days once a properly prepared file is submitted, and the overall timeline depends mainly on how ready your investment and source-of-funds evidence are.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
No fixed annual stay is published for this route, though permanent residents should avoid being outside Panama for more than two years unless the absence is justified and authorised.
Which investment gives the lowest entry point?
Real estate, whether purchased directly or through a promissory purchase contract, offers the lowest qualifying threshold at USD 300,000.
Can I hold the investment through a company?
Yes. The qualifying investment may be held personally or through a legal entity in which you are the final beneficiary.
Who can I include in my application?
A spouse and qualifying dependent children can be included; children aged 18 to 25 qualify when single, in full-time study and financially dependent.
Can residence lead to a Panamanian passport?
Naturalisation may become possible after five consecutive years of residence through a separate process with its own requirements, which we can outline for you.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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